Taunton officials endorse gubernatorial candidate Joe Avellone

TAUNTON — Democratic candidate for governor Joe Avellone has picked up the endorsement of a Taunton city councilor and a member of the Taunton School Committee.

Councilwoman Sherry Costa Hanlon and School Committee member Christine Fagan both issued statements in support of Avellone, according to a press release from the Avellone campaign committee.

Fagan is quoted as saying that Avellone, like herself, considers education “a top priority.”

Costa Hanlon said Avellone is “on the forefront of issues affecting Taunton” and that he “is the only candidate with a real plan to address substance abuse and a strategic plan to improve our education system from pre-K through grade 12.”

“It is truly an honor to have the endorsement of Sherry and Christine,” said Avellone, who has served and worked as a U.S. Navy Reserves lieutenant commander, surgeon, entrepreneur and health care executive.